Belleville football coach Dubuque resigns

The Belleville high school football program is looking for a new coach this offseason. Former Belleville football coach John Dubuque has resigned from his position last month, citing personal reasons.

"It's something that my wife and I talked about and we decided it was best for me," said Dubuque. "I just thought it was the right move for me."

"Mr. Dubuque served his time well at Belleville," said Tom D'Elia, the Belleville High School Athletic Director. "Although the hard work and dedication of Coach Dubuque and his players did not translate into wins on the field, the success of the program can clearly be measured by the structure, organization, and accountability bestowed upon our athletes.

"Under Coach Dubuque, players were held accountable for their actions in school. Academic standards were emphasized and enforced. Athletes attended training camps and weight room regimens were implemented. Perhaps most importantly, there was a level of sportsmanship and class that I haven't seen in years. It was with regret that I accepted Coach Dubuque's resignation."

Now, the search is on for the person that will lead the Bucs onto the gridiron this fall.

"Moving forward, applications for the position have been received," said D'Elia. "The future coach of the program will have some tremendous shoes to fill as a leader, mentor, and support figure for our kids. With our revised league schedule next year, the team should be in a much more competitive division. The test for the new coach will certainly be the maintaining of off-the-field principles as much as on the field success in a weaker division."

In 2014 and 2015, Belleville will be competing in the Independence Division of the Super Essex Conference. Also in this division are Newark Central, Barringer, Glen Ridge, East Side and Immaculate.

Although it is a long ways away, the 2014 season will, of course, begin with a game against long-time rivals Nutley in early September.